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LED Strip Lights in Ireland: How to Choose the Right Strip
Updated October 2026 · Meteor Electrical guides · 9 min read
Quick answer: To choose LED strip lights in Ireland, decide where the strip goes, then pick the colour temperature (usually 3000K or 4000K), brightness in lumens per metre, a suitable IP rating, 12V or 24V, and a constant voltage driver sized about 20% above the total load. Add an aluminium profile and diffuser for a neat, dot-free finish.
Whether you are a contractor fitting out a renovation in Dublin or a homeowner adding under-cabinet lights in Cork, getting the specification right saves time and callbacks. This buying guide takes you through each choice in order. If you are new to the subject, start with our explainer on what LED strip lighting is and how it works.
Customers in the Republic of Ireland see prices in euro on our site, and we deliver across ROI and Northern Ireland, with next working day delivery on in-stock orders placed before 5pm.
In this guide
How do you choose LED strip lights?
Work through these questions before you order. Each one narrows down the strip, driver and accessories you need.
- What is the job? Task lighting (a worktop) needs more light than accent lighting (a cove or plinth).
- How long is each run? Measure every run in metres. This sets the total wattage and whether you need 24V or extra feed points.
- Will the strip be visible? If you can see the strip or its reflection, choose COB strip or a profile with a diffuser.
- Is it wet, dusty or outdoors? This sets the IP rating.
- How will it be controlled? On/off from a switch, dimming, colour change or smart control all affect the driver and controller.
- Where will the driver go? It needs to be ventilated, accessible and close enough to the strip to limit voltage drop.
Which type of strip light do you need?
| Type | Construction | Best for | Points to note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard LED tape | Thin flexible PCB with SMD LEDs and adhesive back | Under cabinets, coves, shelves, wardrobes | Use a profile and diffuser if visible, to hide the dots |
| COB LED strip | LEDs packed tightly under a phosphor coating | Visible runs, shallow profiles, glossy worktops | Smooth, dot-free line of light |
| Silicone flex / neon flex | Strip inside a silicone jacket | Exposed outlines, signs, outdoor features | Check the bend radius and how it is cut and sealed |
| LED rope light | LEDs inside a round PVC tube, fixed with clips | Garden, festive and decorative lighting | Less precise; lower light quality than tape |
| Plug-in kits | Strip, driver and connectors in one box | Simple DIY projects with a socket nearby | Check the length and IP rating suit the job |
For kitchens where you would rather not build a strip system, linkable under-cabinet battens are an alternative. See our cabinet and shelf lighting.
What colour temperature and brightness do you need?
Colour temperature (Kelvin)
- 2700K to 3000K, warm white: living rooms, bedrooms, hospitality and most Irish homes.
- 4000K, cool or natural white: kitchens, utility rooms, offices and retail.
- 5000K to 6500K, daylight: garages, workshops and display areas where colour checking matters.
- Tunable white (CCT), RGB, RGBW: adjustable white or colour effects, which need a compatible controller.
Brightness (lumens per metre)
Compare strips by lumens per metre rather than watts. As a rough guide:
| Use | Typical output | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Accent and mood (coves, plinths) | Around 300–600 lm/m | Low-power strip behind a diffuser |
| General shelf and display | Around 500–900 lm/m | Medium-power strip in a profile |
| Task lighting (worktops) | Around 800 lm/m and above | Higher-power strip under wall cupboards |
These ranges are a starting point, not a standard. A diffuser reduces output a little, so allow for it. Also check the CRI (colour rendering index): CRI 80 is fine for general use, while CRI 90 or above makes food, finishes and products look more natural. For example, the Aurora 5W/m 24V COB strip kit gives 475 lumens per metre at 3000K, which suits accent and soft shelf lighting.
Which IP rating do LED strip lights need in each room?
| Location | Suggested rating | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Living rooms, bedrooms, wardrobes | IP20 | Dry indoor areas only |
| Kitchens (under cupboards, plinths) | IP20 in a profile, or IP65 | IP65 resists splashes and cleaning |
| Bathrooms | IP65 or higher, to suit the zone | BS 7671 / I.S. 10101 zone rules apply; driver outside the zones |
| Covered outdoor areas (soffits) | IP65 to IP67 | Use outdoor-rated connections and seals |
| Exposed outdoors (decking, steps) | IP67 or IP68 | Cut ends and joints must be resealed |
Pro tip: A strip is only as waterproof as its weakest joint. If you cut an IP65 or IP67 strip, reseal the end with the manufacturer’s end caps and sealant, or the rating no longer applies.
12V or 24V, and which LED driver do you need?
24V strip draws half the current of 12V strip for the same power, so it suffers less voltage drop and runs further from a single feed point. It is the usual choice for longer runs and commercial work. 12V strip suits short runs, some cabinet kits and battery or vehicle use.
As a rough guide, many strips can run around 5 m at 12V or 10 m at 24V from one end. Check the datasheet, and feed longer runs from both ends or from the middle.
How to size an LED driver
- Find the strip power in watts per metre (W/m) on the datasheet.
- Multiply by the total length. For example, 5 m of 10W/m strip = 50W.
- Add around 20% headroom: 50W × 1.2 = 60W, so choose a 60W driver or larger.
- Match the driver output voltage (12V or 24V DC) to the strip, and use a constant voltage driver, not a constant current one.
- If you want to dim, choose a dimmable driver and a dimmer that is listed as compatible with it.
Browse our LED drivers and lighting controls, and see our guide on using dimmer switches with LED lights before choosing a dimmer.
Do you need an aluminium profile and diffuser?
Not always, but they are strongly recommended. An aluminium profile draws heat away from the LEDs, which protects their life and colour. A frosted or opal diffuser hides individual LED dots and protects the strip from dust and knocks.
- Surface profiles fix under cupboards and shelves.
- Recessed profiles sit flush in plasterboard, timber or worktops for a seamless finish.
- Angled profiles aim light at 45°, for example under cabinets towards the splashback.
- End caps, connectors and strip-to-wire leads finish the job neatly without soldering.
Our LED strip lights range includes Aurora profiles, diffusers, end caps and connectors to match the strips.
How are LED strip lights installed?
The low-voltage side is straightforward. The mains connection to the driver should be made by a competent electrician.
- Plan the layout: mark each run, the driver location and the cable routes.
- Size the driver: total the load and add about 20% headroom.
- Cut to length: cut only at the marked cut points.
- Prepare the surface: clean it with isopropyl alcohol so the adhesive grips.
- Fit the profile and strip: fix the profile, peel the backing gradually and press the strip in firmly.
- Connect the low-voltage side: use connectors or solder, and check polarity (+ and −).
- Connect the driver to the mains: via a switched lighting circuit or fused spur, by a competent person.
- Test: check every run lights evenly, dims correctly and shows no voltage drop at the far end.
Safety: Isolate the circuit and prove it dead before working on any mains connection. Keep drivers ventilated, out of thermal insulation and accessible for maintenance.
What rules apply to LED strip lighting in Ireland?
In the Republic of Ireland, fixed electrical work must meet the National Wiring Rules, I.S. 10101. Certain work is classed as “controlled work” and must be carried out and certified by a Registered Electrical Contractor (REC) registered with Safe Electric. This includes new circuits, replacing a distribution board and work in special locations such as bathrooms.
In Northern Ireland, work must meet BS 7671 and the Building Regulations (Northern Ireland). Use a qualified electrician for any new circuit or bathroom work. Plug-in kits that use an existing socket do not need fixed wiring, but still follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Key takeaways
- Start with the job: task lighting needs more lumens per metre than accent lighting.
- Choose 3000K for warm, homely light and 4000K for kitchens and workspaces.
- Match the IP rating to the location: IP20 for dry rooms, IP65 for splashes, IP67 or IP68 outdoors.
- Use 24V for longer runs, and size a constant voltage driver about 20% above the total load.
- Fit strips in aluminium profiles with diffusers for better heat control and a dot-free finish.
- In the Republic of Ireland, controlled work must be done and certified by a Registered Electrical Contractor.
Choosing LED strip lights in Ireland with confidence
The right LED strip lights for an Irish home or commercial job come down to a few clear choices: the right colour and brightness, the right IP rating, 12V or 24V, a properly sized driver and a profile to finish it. Get those right and the result is efficient, even light that lasts. For the basics behind each choice, see our guide to what LED strip lighting is.
Shop LED strip lights for Ireland
Strip, COB kits, profiles, connectors and drivers, priced in euro for ROI customers. Trade prices, next working day delivery across NI & ROI on in-stock orders before 5pm.
Shop LED strip lights Shop LED driversNeed help choosing? Call our team on 028 8675 1515 (048 from ROI), Monday to Friday, 8am–5pm.
FAQs
What are the best LED strip lights for a kitchen?
For under-cabinet kitchen lighting, choose 3000K or 4000K strip with at least around 800 lumens per metre and CRI 90 if possible. Fit it in an angled or surface aluminium profile with a diffuser, and use IP20 in a profile or IP65 strip near splash areas. COB strip avoids dots on glossy worktops.
Is 12V or 24V LED strip better?
24V strip is usually better for runs over a few metres because it draws less current, so it suffers less voltage drop and stays evenly bright further from the feed. 12V strip is fine for short runs and some kits. Always match the strip to a driver with the same output voltage.
What size LED driver do I need for my strip?
Multiply the strip’s watts per metre by the total length, then add about 20% headroom. For example, 5 m of 10W per metre strip is 50W, so choose a driver of 60W or more. Use a constant voltage driver with the same output voltage as the strip.
What IP rating do I need for outdoor LED strip lights?
Use IP65 for covered areas such as soffits, and IP67 or IP68 for exposed locations such as decking and steps that get wet. Cut ends and joints must be resealed with the correct end caps, and all connections and the driver must be suitable for outdoor use.
Do I need an electrician to install LED strip lights in Ireland?
A plug-in kit can be fitted by a homeowner. Connecting a driver to fixed wiring should be done by a competent electrician, and controlled work in the Republic of Ireland, such as new circuits or bathroom work, must be done and certified by a Registered Electrical Contractor.
Why is my LED strip dimmer at the far end?
This is voltage drop. The longer the run and the lower the voltage, the more the far end dims. Fix it by switching to 24V strip, feeding power at both ends or the middle, using thicker feed cable, or splitting the run into shorter sections, each fed from the driver.
Can LED strip lights be dimmed?
Yes, with the right equipment. Single colour strip can be dimmed using a dimmable constant voltage driver and a compatible dimmer, or a low-voltage dimmer or controller between the driver and strip. RGB and tunable white strips use a dedicated controller. Check compatibility on the datasheets before you buy.